How should I prepare my oats today?
There are a few basic ways that I like to prepare my morning oats. There's the typical stove-top way: boil some liquid, add the oats, let 'em cook. A warm, comforting porridge is great during the cold winter months, but during the summer I like to enjoy the taste and texture of oatmeal in a colder way. When temperatures start climbing, overnight oats are a perfect solution! All you need is a fridge to make a fluffy raw breakfast that can be eaten COLD. The overnight option is also great during the school year or on busy mornings because all of the prep work is done the night before. All you have to do is pop it out of the fridge in the morning, add any additional toppings and mix-ins, and serve. If you do want this convenience in the winter without the cold, a quick spin in the microwave can warm overnight oats right up. I like to eat mine cold, though. When I want some variety for breakfast, I make a smoothie. I have found, though, that smoothies are not always filling enough for me, and I am always hungry within a couple of hours. The solution? An oatmeal smoothie! Adding oats to a fruit smoothie instantly makes a complete breakfast, and thickens the smoothie to make it more like a delicious breakfast ice cream.
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Stove-top oats with some of my favorite toppings: blueberries,
blackberries, goji berries, and almond butter |
The Basic Recipes:
Stove-Top Oatmeal
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup rolled or old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup water
- Splash of almond milk (or other milk of choice)
- My Seed Mix: 1/2 tsp flax + 1/2 tsp chia + 1/2 tsp hemp (optional)
- 1/2 banana, mashed
- Dash of cinnamon
Make it!
- In a small sauce pan, bring water to boil. Lower heat to medium and add oats and seed mix.
- Once most of the water is absorbed stir in mashed banana and add cinnamon.
- Let remaining liquid absorb, stirring occasionally.
- Once oatmeal is very thick, add a splash of almond milk and stir.
- Add any additional mix-ins (apples, mangoes, pineapple, berries, dried fruit, nuts, nut butter, coconut, etc.).
- Once oatmeal has reached desired consistency, transfer to a bowl. If too hot/thick, add additional splash of almond milk.
- Add desired toppings (more fruit, granola, coconut, coconut butter, nuts, nut butter, dried fruit, non-dairy yogurt).
- Enjoy!
Overnight Oats
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup rolled or old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or other milk of choice)
- My Seed Mix: 1/2 tsp flax + 1/2 tsp chia + 1/2 tsp hemp (optional)
- 1/2 banana, mashed
- Dash of cinnamon
Make it!
- In a mason jar or other container with lid, combine all ingredients and shake!
- If needed, stir with a fork to even out mixture.
- Store in the fridge overnight or for several hours.
- In the morning, transfer to a bowl and add any additional mix-ins or toppings. (I love to stir in berries and top with a drizzle of melted nut butter).
- Enjoy!
Oatmeal Smoothies
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| Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie w/ Granola |
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup rolled or old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or other milk of choice) + more if needed
- My Seed Mix: 1/2 tsp flax + 1/2 tsp chia + 1/2 tsp hemp (optional)
- 1/2 banana, frozen
- 1/2 cup fruit of choice, frozen (I love mangoes, berries, and peaches!)
- Dash of cinnamon
Make it!
- In a blender, combine oats, almond milk, seed milk, and cinnamon. Blend until oats are well-blended.
- Add fruit and blend until smooth, if necessary, add more milk (I like to keep the smoothie thick enough to eat it with a spoon!).
- Pour into a bowl and add toppings of choice (granola, nuts, dried fruit, coconuts, nut butter, etc.)
I hope to start posting some more exciting recipes soon! What are your favorite oatmeal toppings and flavors? Do you prefer warm or cold oats?
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